Wrexham Independents To Work With Newly Formed Independent Group

Wrexham Independent Group are to work with the newly formed ‘Independent’ Group – consisting of the Democratic Independents and 10 ex Labour councillors.

Following reports last week that the Wrexham Independent Group had been having discussions with the newly formed Independent Group in an effort to work together, it has been announced that the two independent groups have agreed to work together.

Cllr Joan Lowe Cllr David A Bithell will be working with the new group and have agreed to take portfolios although discussions are still on-going on what roles we will have and will be announced in due course.

Cllr David A Bithell Leader of Wrexham Independent Group said: “We have been holding talks with various groups over the past week and in the interests of the wider public and our constituents we have agreed to work with the new independent group of 20 in light of recent changes and make-up of the council.

“Key and essential to these talks was a commitment by the new council to support “Splash Community Trust” by £50k to help kick start the re-opening of the centre. (subject to a viable business plan and Executive Board Approval on 7th October).

The Wrexham Independent Group consists of Cllrs, David A Bithell, Ronnie Prince, Bill Baldwin, Joan Lowe, John C Phillips, John Pritchard, David Taylor, Pat Jeffares.

Earlier this week it was reported that Plaid Cymru would not joining the coalition and that they would instead set up their own group on Wrexham Council. Councillors Arfon Jones (Gwersyllt West) and Keith Gregory (Smithfield) had previously been part of the Wrexham Independent Group.

On Friday morning it was announced that the Liberal Democrat Group on Wrexham Council would not be entering into a formal alliance with other groups.

Councillor Carole O’Toole said: “The Liberal Democrat Group on Wrexham County Borough Council has been in discussions with various Groups in the Council concerning the future running of the Council.

“We have asked a number of questions and have not received satisfactory answers. As a result we have decided not to enter into a formal alliance with other Groups to run the Council or to take Lead Membership responsibility.

“Going forward we intend to consider every issue on its merits and to support decisions whenever possible in the best interests of the people of Wrexham.”

It is not yet known the exact roles that will be held in the new look Wrexham Council, however Lead Member roles are expected to be announced at the Full Council meeting on September 24th.